An apostrophe is an important punctuation mark with more than one purpose.
Speech sentences can be punctuated a variety of ways: speech first, speech second and speech interrupted.
When we avoid using apostrophes for contraction and use serious language, we can create a formal tone.

Common misconception

Pupils may struggle to correctly use the apostrophe for plural possession.

Remind pupils that whenever the noun doing the possessing ends in s, the apostrophe goes after the s.

Keywords

Apostrophe for contraction - a punctuation mark used to contract two words together
Apostrophe for possession - a punctuation mark used to show if a noun belongs to another noun
Inverted commas - a pair of punctuation marks that signal direct speech to the reader
Direct speech - the term used for a character speaking out loud in a text
Formal tone - the effect created by choosing serious, factual language

Complete lessons on apostrophes and direct speech can be found throughout our KS2 Grammar curriculum.

Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Video

Worksheet

Download worksheet

Starter quiz

Download starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.

Match the words to their synonyms.

Correct Answer:local,nearby

nearby

Correct Answer:common,ordinary

ordinary

Correct Answer:juicy,succulent

succulent

Correct Answer:rough,coarse

coarse

Q2.

Choose the right prefix to create an antonym of each word.

Correct Answer:dis,contented

contented

Correct Answer:un,believable

believable

Correct Answer:im,mortal

mortal

Correct Answer:mis,fortune

fortune

Q3.

Which word from this word family could complete the sentence? 'His __________ overwhelmed him and he sunk to his knees.'

sad

sadly

Correct answer: sadness

sadity

Q4.

What does the word 'them' refer to in this sentence? 'Me and Sam saw Alex and Jun and I waved at them.'

Correct answer: Alex and Jun

Me and Sam

Q5.

What word class is 'hers' in this sentence? 'That's my flat and this one is hers.'

a subordinating conjunction

Correct answer: a possessive pronoun

a relative pronoun

a preposition

Q6.

What are the three prepositions in this sentence? 'For three days, we worked on our essays and then we went to the beach.'

Correct answer: for

Correct answer: our

Correct answer: to

Exit quiz

Download exit quiz

6 Questions

Q1.

Tick the sentences that use an apostrophe for a contracted form.

Correct answer: She'll be here in a minute.

The boy's hat was all askew.

Correct answer: They've given me a lot to think about.

The children's coats were hung on their pegs.

Correct answer: It's ridiculous how often I have to say this!

Q2.

Which of these contracted forms have the apostrophe in the correct position?

theyd'

Correct answer: should've

should'nt

Correct answer: wasn't

Q3.

Which sentence is the most formal?

Let's get a move on, guys.

Correct answer: I suggest we move more quickly now.

Shall we get going?

Time to get your things together, people!

Q4.

Match each sentence to the possession it shows.

Correct Answer:The girls' shoes were black.,There is more than one girl.

There is more than one girl.

Correct Answer:The girl's beliefs were odd. ,There is only one girl.

There is only one girl.

Correct Answer:The tree's branches broke.,There is only one tree.

There is only one tree.

Correct Answer:The trees' leaves fell off. ,There is more than one tree.

There is more than one tree.

Q5.

Which speech sentences are punctuated correctly?

"Can I go out asked Jun."

Correct answer: "When will you be ready?" asked Alex.

Sam asked "can we leave yet?"

Correct answer: Sofia wondered, "Is it time to go?"

Q6.

Which version of the sentence is correctly punctuated?

Mr Martinez is always saying, "Just do your best"

Mr Martinez is always saying, "just do your best!"

Correct answer: Mr Martinez is always saying, "Just do your best!"

Mr Martinez is always saying "just do your best!"